Estonia proposes new laws to finalize 30-year land reform
The Estonian government has put forward legislative proposals to complete the land reform that began in 1991, as nearly 10,000 land parcels still remain without an owner.
Estonia's Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications (MKM) has drafted a legislative intent aimed at finishing the land reform that started on November 1, 1991, when the Land Reform Act came into force. The ministry warns that without legislative changes, the reform could drag on for many more years.
The document notes that local municipalities and the Land and Spatial Agency, responsible for implementing the reform, lack sufficient resources to quickly resolve pending cases. Often, the remaining cases are the most complex, requiring stronger administrative intervention, which could lead to disputes and further resource demands. Amending the law would create conditions to complete the reform regardless of whether institutions are willing to risk court battles.
Two options proposed
MKM presents two options for completing the land reform. The first involves amending the current law to set deadlines after which unreformed land parcels—except for so-called strips (land units without independent use)—would become state property. Separate deadlines would apply to parcels with and without buildings, with those having buildings given a longer period to finalize procedures under existing rules.
The second option is to adopt a separate Land Reform Completion Act and declare the current Land Reform Act and its derived regulations invalid. The document outlines advantages, disadvantages, and risks for both options, along with possible solutions and mitigation measures.
Current status
According to the Estonian Topographic Database (ETAK), there are 9,840 unreformed land units: 1,963 without buildings, 2,695 with buildings, and 5,182 strips. The largest number is in Ida-Virumaa. For example, Sillamäe has 177 parcels without buildings, while Kohtla-Järve has 377 parcels with buildings.
The ministry points out that the Supreme Court already recognized in 2020 that there is public interest in completing the land reform. Amendments to the Land Reform Act in 2013 set a deadline of June 30, 2016, but the reform remains unfinished. Thus, more effective and fundamental measures are needed.
MKM has involved various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Digital Affairs, local governments, and academic institutions, and is now waiting for their opinions during the coordination process.
